Our goal is to give you the most up-to-date, accurate information about your state DMV's processes. The date you see here reflects the most recent time we've verified this information with your state DMV. When they change something, we do, too!

Replacing a Lost License in South Carolina

A lost or stolen South Carolina driver's license, permit, or ID is a serious issue. Not only does it prevent you from legally driving and providing proof of identity, but it also puts you at risk for identity theft.

The South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles provides several options for getting a duplicate—even if you're out of state or away on military assignment.

A VISA, MasterCard, or Discover credit or debit card to pay the $10 fee.

Any receipt or confirmation you get will
not suffice as a temporary license, nor will a print-out of your driving record. The SC DMV reminds drivers it's illegal to drive without a license—period.

You should receive your license by mail within a couple of weeks. If you don't,
contact the DMV Call Center at (803) 896-5000. They're open from 8:30 a.m. until 5 p.m., Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. On Wednesday the call center is open 9:30 a.m. until 5 p.m.

Apply In Person

Applying in person is the only way to
get an immediate replacement license, permit, or ID; it also requires a few more steps.

If your address has changed, provide proof of residency (e.g., current employment record).

If your address has changed, provide proof of name change (e.g., marriage certificate).

Apply By Mail

Replacing a lost South Carolina license, permit, or ID by mail is the slowest process, but an ideal option for people unable to get to the DMV or who are out of state (see below for
out-of-state and military information).

Pay the same fees (see above by sending a check or money order made payable to the “South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles").

Mail everything to:

Department of Motor Vehicles
P.O. Box 1498
Blythewood, SC 29016

If you do not receive your SC driver's license in a timely manner, contact the DMV Call Center at
(803) 896-5000. Weekday business hours are 8:30 a.m. until 5 p.m., Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Wednesday hours are 9:30 a.m. until 5 p.m.

SC Out-of-State or Military License Replacement

You'll follow the mail-in instructions to replace a lost South Carolina driver's license while out of state; the same goes for military license replacement and license replacement for dependents of military members.

If you need your replacement mailed to a different address, complete the “Special Mailing Address" OR “Temporary Mailing Address" sections.

Send a check or money order made out to the “South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles" for:

Replacement driver's license: $10.

Replacement permit: $2.50.

Replacement ID (17 years old and up): Free.

Replacement ID (5 to 16 years old): $5

Mail everything to:

Department of Motor Vehicles
P.O. Box 1498
Blythewood, SC 29016

If you need more information you can contact the DMV Call Center at
(803) 896-5000. They're open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 8:30 a.m. until 5 p.m., Wednesday their hours are 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Replacing a Lost or Stolen CDL in SC

You can replace your lost or stolen commercial driver's license (CDL) in person or by mail; the SC DMV doesn't allow online CDL replacements.